Leeds College of Music alumni pay tribute to unsung jazz heroes

Leeds College of Music will welcome back two of its jazz alumni next week for what promises to be a highlight of the College’s Spring/Summer Concert Season. A Tribute to Atlantic Jazz is a new ensemble put together by Leeds-based saxophonists and Leeds College of Music alumni James Russell and Jim Corry to pay tribute to the record label that in the 1960s and early 70s embraced the period of 'soul jazz', and with it a new generation of jazz musicians emerging at this time. James Russell states: “our aim with the ensemble was to honour the lesser known musicians who played in the Ray Charles band and celebrate the musical legacy they left. It was really important for us to bring their unique style of jazz to a wider audience.” The ensemble will perform several of their arrangements alongside some original material in a swinging, soulful programme with an instinctive, emotional appeal. A published songwriter, composer, performer and producer, James Russell regularly performs with The Rat Pack, The Al Wood Big Band, Roy Wood’s Rock & Roll Band, James Hamilton's Jazz Orchestra and The Cat Pack. James has composed jazz suites for theatrical productions of Under Milk Wood, Romeo & Juliet and Scaramouche Jones; he is a member of the J2 Productions song writing collective and has worked alongside a diverse range of pop singers/songwriters and producers. Most recently, James has contributed horn parts to the forthcoming Jamiroquai album. Jim Corry has toured and played with Corinne Bailey Rae, Haggis Horns, Mark Ronson and Daniel Merriweather. His TV and festival appearances include Live Earth, the Brit Awards, MOBO Awards, Later… with Jools Holland, Glastonbury, Late Night with David Letterman, Oprah, Good Morning America and Live From Abbey Road. Jim also performs with The Al Wood Big Band, Roy Wood’s Rock & Roll Band and James Hamilton's Jazz Orchestra. Jim currently teaches on the College's BA (Hons) Jazz programme. The line-up also includes local saxophone legend Stuart McDonald, versatile pianist Andy Cholerton and popular drummer Chris Sykes, as well as fellow Leeds College of Music alumni Steve Parry and Richard Hammond on trumpet and bass respectively. A Tribute to Atlantic Jazz, The Venue, Leeds College of Music on Wednesday 24 March, 7.30pm. Box office 0113 222 3434 or book online here